“You came, honey,” Daisy smiled as she saw Priya coming downstairs.
“Aunty, how are you? I didn’t get to meet you in the morning,” Priya said, walking toward Daisy with a happy face.
No matter how much she hates this house or Priyank, she doesn’t hate Daisy. This woman always gives her motherly vibes, which she gets from her own Mother Mary.
Even though Daisy doesn’t protect her, Priya can understand that in most situations she is unable to do anything. To be true, Daisy did protect Priya before. It’s just fate that led her back to this house again.
“Priyank did leave a message for me that you both are going to your Orphanage to invite everyone for the party,” Daisy replied.
Priya’s smile dropped, and Daisy saw it. She knew exactly why it happened.
Daisy tried her best to make Priyank understand that he can’t win Priya’s love with his behaviour, but he doesn’t seem to want to trust anything.
And now their relationship would only become more complex. He is forcing Priya to marry him, thinking it’s the best option, which it is not.
Maybe being kept here against her will, which he already is doing, is still better than marrying.
“Sit, honey, let’s have dinner. It’s already been a tiring day for you, and tomorrow is going to be way busier than this,” Daisy said, gesturing for Priya to sit.
Priya nodded and sat on the chair beside Daisy.
“What’s for dinner?” she asked, pushing her sadness aside, not wanting to stress Daisy.
She could see how stressed and guilty Daisy felt for her, and that’s something that didn’t make Priya happy, because it wasn’t even Daisy’s fault. Even though Priyank is her son, it doesn’t change anything.
“Just regular food, rice, some soup. Or do you want something else? I usually have light food at night, but if you want something, I can ask the maids to make it for you,” Daisy said as she served herself and then looked at Priya.
“I can eat this too,” Priya said as she started serving herself, even though she didn’t like eating stuff like this.
But then she remembered Priyank’s words, and she didn’t know what he would do if he found out she demanded some junk food. And she knew this was his house, so he would figure it out.
He liked digging things out; it was his part-time hobby.
As they ate, Priya couldn’t shake off the feeling of tension in the air. She could sense Daisy’s worry and discomfort, and it made her uneasy.
“Is everything alright, Aunty?” Priya asked softly, trying to break the silence.
Daisy sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Oh, it’s nothing, dear.”
Priya knew there was more to it, but she didn’t push further. Instead, she focused on finishing her meal, her mind already planning her next steps.
“How was your meeting with your Mother Mary go? Is she good? How is her health?” Daisy asked, concern evident in her voice.
“Good, I really liked it. She was a bit not okay, but yeah, she is all good,” Priya stated, truthfully, her heart heavy with worry for her own mother.
“You know, I am like your mother too, Priya, right?” Daisy said softly, a hint of sadness in her tone.
“Yes, Aunty, you are like my mother. What happened?” Priya replied, not understanding what suddenly happened to Daisy.
“Honey, I am sorry for whatever my son is doing. I don’t know how many times I will have to ask for forgiveness to wash away what he’s doing, and I know you’ll never be able to forget it,” Daisy said, her eyes filled with remorse.
Priya’s heart clenched at Daisy’s words. She could feel the weight of Daisy’s guilt and sorrow.
“It’s not your fault, Aunty. You’ve done nothing wrong,” Priya said softly, reaching out to hold Daisy’s hand.
Daisy looked at Priya, her eyes brimming with tears. “But I should have done something. I should have protected you.”
Priya shook her head. “You did what you could. And I appreciate it.”
Daisy nodded, wiping away her tears. “I understand. Just know that I’m here for you.”
Priya smiled gratefully at Daisy. “Thank you, Aunty. Your support means everything to me.”
“I really love you like you are my own daughter, and I don’t even know how to make my son understand that forcing someone into marriage will never help,” Daisy said, squeezing Priya’s hand tightly.
Her heart weighed heavily, seeing just an 18-year-old innocent girl, so gentle and trusting. If it were another girl, stronger and more assertive, Daisy might not feel as guilty.
Of course, she would still feel guilty, but not as much as she did now. Because Priya was innocent like a baby, and Daisy couldn’t even imagine how she was taking all of this. It was surely harder than anyone could ever think.
“I know, Aunty. You’ve done so much for me already,” Priya replied, her eyes filling with tears.
Daisy pulled Priya into a hug, holding her close. “I wish I could do more, my dear. I wish I could protect you from all of this.”
Priya hugged Daisy back, feeling the warmth of her embrace. “It’s okay, Aunty. You’ve been like a mother to me, and that means everything.”
“I could never be like a mother, because if I were your mother, I would be killing Priyank for what he’s doing. But he’s my own blood, and I’m selfish enough to not be able to do anything,” Daisy poured her heart out.
“You don’t have to feel guilty. I don’t even want anyone to die because of me. Just don’t worry, Aunty,” Priya bit her tongue, wanting to tell Daisy about her plan to escape.
But she couldn’t do that, because in the end, Daisy was Priyank’s mother. If she saw him in any stressed situation, she would help her son.
It’s not bad, it’s not selfish; it’s just human nature, and there’s no other way to judge it. Any mother would go to extreme lengths for their son, and Daisy was no exception.
And Daisy had really helped her that day by stopping Priyank from following her when Priya left with Mary. Daisy had done a lot more than anyone else ever would.